Weapon

ABSTRACT

A weapon including a grip portion, an independent extension extending from each end of the grip portion and configured to extend partially around a hand of a user; at least one portion of at least one of the extensions being shaped to create painful pressure when pressed against an adversary, and a method of making the weapon.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to weapons, in general, and in particular,to a hand held weapon which may be used as a police baton, also known asa nightstick or billy club.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Police batons and nightsticks have long been known in the art.Generally, these include a club with a leather thong which can be loopedaround the wrist of a user. However, when the user loosens his grip, thebaton falls from his hand and cannot be retrieved easily or quickly. Inaddition, these sticks are mainly useful for hitting an adversary.

Brass knuckles for increasing hitting power have also long been known inthe art. However, these devices are not designed for applying localizedpressure, but only for punching.

Accordingly, there is a long felt need for a weapon which can be used toapply localized pressure, and it would be very desirable to have such aweapon which can be used as a baton which would not fall when released.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

There is provided according to the present invention a weapon includinga grip portion, an independent extension extending from each end of thegrip portion and configured to extend partially around a hand of a user,wherein at least a portion of one of the extensions is shaped to createpainful pressure on the body of an adversary.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the weapon furtherincludes an additional extension extending from the grip portionsubstantially in an opposite direction from the independent extensions,the additional extension also being shaped to create painful pressure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be further understood and appreciated fromthe following detailed description taken in conjunction with thedrawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a weapon constructed and operative inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an illustration of the weapon according to FIG. 1 on the handof a user;

FIGS. 3 a, 3 b, 3 c, 3 d and 3 e are illustrations of the weapon of FIG.1 in use;

FIG. 4 is a side view of a weapon constructed and operative inaccordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 a is a side view of a weapon constructed and operative inaccordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 b is a top view of the weapon of FIG. 5 a;

FIG. 6 a is an illustration the weapon according to FIG. 5 a on the handof a user;

FIGS. 6 b, 6 c and 6 d are illustrations of the weapon of FIG. 5 a inuse;

FIG. 7 a is a side view of a weapon constructed and operative inaccordance with a further embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 b is a top view of the weapon of FIG. 7 a;

FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of a weapon of the invention ascarried on a belt; and

FIG. 9 is a schematic sectional illustration of a weapon constructed andoperative in accordance with another embodiment of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a hand held weapon which can be usedboth defensively and offensively. The weapon includes a specially shapedhandle which remains hanging from the fingers of a user even when theuser's hand is not gripping the weapon, thereby permitting simultaneoususe of the fingers or hand for other activities, such as holding orpushing an adversary. According to one embodiment of the invention, theweapon also includes an elongated club portion extending from the handleto form a baton. This elongated club portion is preferably integrallyformed with the handle, but may alternatively be coupled thereto.

Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a side view of a weapon 10constructed and operative in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention. Weapon 10 includes a grip portion 12 for gripping inthe palm and fingers of the hand. Each end of grip portion 12 mergesinto an independent extension 14, 16 extending partially around the palmor fingers of the hand of a user, as shown in FIG. 2. In this way, theweapon will engage the user's hand and prevent unintentional release ofthe weapon when the user is not holding the grip portion. This permitsthe user to release the grip portion and grab an opponent, or otherwiseuse his hand, without dropping the weapon. Thus, an extension 17′ may beadded to extension 16 to work together with end 15 of extension 14 toimprove the retention of the weapon on the hand of a user.

At least a portion of at least one of the extensions is shaped to createpainful pressure when pushed against the body of an adversary. Thus,extension 14, itself, may be shaped to press painfully against anadversary, as shown, by way of example, in FIGS. 3 a and 3 b. Orextension 16 may be configured to define a rounded point 17 at its end,for use in pressing against sensitive locations on the body of anadversary, as shown, by way of example only, in FIG. 3 c.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, weapon 10 furtherincludes at least one additional extension extending substantially in anopposite direction from the independent extensions. In the embodiment ofFIG. 1, grip portion 12 merges into an additional extension 18.Additional extension 18 is preferably configured to define a roundedpoint 19 at its end, for use in pressing against sensitive areas, suchas nerves, bone, etc., on the body of an opponent, as seen, for example,in FIG. 3 d. In this embodiment, the rear of extension 14 defines arounded corner 13 facing the opposite direction to extension 14.Extension 18 and corner 13 permit a user to apply painful pressure to anadversary using a rearward movement of the user's hand, as seen, forexample, in FIG. 3 e. It will be appreciated that both independentextensions may end in oppositely facing extensions or corners.

In the illustrated embodiment, extensions 14 and 16 are curved.Alternatively, these extensions may have any other shape which partiallysurrounds the hand and retains the weapon on the hand when the fingersdo not grip the weapon.

FIG. 4 is a side view of a weapon 20 constructed and operative inaccordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention.Weapon 20 includes a grip portion 22 for gripping in the palm andfingers of the hand, and two independent extensions 24 and 26. Extension24 extends partially around the palm or fingers of the hand of a user,and may include a pointed end 25 which extends around and protects thepointer of a user. Extension 26 extends partially around the palm orfingers of the hand of a user, and may include a pointed end 27 whichextends around and protects the ring finger and pinky of a user.Together, extensions 24 and 26, and pointed ends 25 and 27, if present,serve to retain weapon 20 on the hand of the user, even when the user isnot gripping the weapon. In addition, they serve as protection against akick or hit, by preventing an adversary's leg or stick from passingbetween the extensions.

In this embodiment, both extensions 24 and 26 are shaped to exertpainful pressure when pushed against the body of an adversary. Thus,extension 24 defines a rounded corner 25′ shaped to press painfullyagainst an adversary. And extension 26 is configured to define a roundedpoint 27′ near its end, for use in pressing against sensitive locationson the body of an adversary.

Weapon 20 further includes an additional extension 28 extendingsubstantially in an opposite direction from extension 26. Additionalextension 28 is preferably configured to define a rounded point 29 atits end, for inflicting painful pressure on the body of an opponent. Inthis embodiment, extension 24 defines a pointed corner 23 facing thedirection substantially opposite to extension 24.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 a and 5 b, there are shown respective side andtop views of a weapon 30 constructed and operative in accordance withanother alternative embodiment of the present invention. Weapon 30includes a grip portion 32 for gripping in the palm and fingers of thehand, two independent extensions 34 and 36, and an elongate club portion38 extending from the handle to form a baton. Elongated club portion 38is preferably integrally formed with the handle 32, but mayalternatively be coupled thereto. It will be appreciated that, even ifelongated club portion 38 should break or fall from grip portion 32, thegrip portion can continue to be used as an offensive and defensiveweapon.

It is a particular feature of the invention that the independentextensions do not completely enclose the hand. Thus, if an attackertries to twist the baton and break the hands of a user, the user canrelease his hand by sliding it through the gap between the independentextensions.

Together, extensions 34 and 36 serve to retain weapon 30 on the hand ofthe user, even when the user's hand is open, as shown in FIG. 6 a. Thispermits the user to push the baton against a person attacking him orher, or to hold another object with the fingers, without dropping thebaton, as shown in FIG. 6 b.

According to a preferred embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 5 a, a slippingcurve 35 is provided between the grip portion 32 and the club portion38. Slipping curve 35 protects the hand of a user since a hit along thelength of club portion 38 will slide off curve 35 and off the club.

Further according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 5 a, elongateportion 38 defines a plurality of upstanding ridges 40. Ridges 40 serveas hand retaining ridges and define a plurality of firm grip locationsalong the length of elongate portion 38 This permits a user to hold theweapon with a firm, strong grip on the baton with both hands, andprevents his hands from sliding along length of the club portion. Thiscan be particularly useful when defending against a stick, as seen inFIG. 6 c. Ridges 40 are also configured to inflict painful pressure onthe body of an adversary, when weapon 30 is rotated.

As described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, portions of weapon30 are shaped to exert painful pressure when pushed against the body ofan adversary. These portions may include a baton tip 42, and one or morepoints 48, 49 on independent extensions 34 and 36. See, for example,FIG. 6 d, for defense against a kicking adversary. In some situations,ridges 40 can also be used to create painful pressure.

Referring now to FIGS. 7 a and 7 b, there are shown respective side andtop views of a weapon 50 constructed and operative in accordance with afurther embodiment of the present invention. Weapon 50 includes a gripportion 52 substantially similar to that of weapon 30, and includes anelongated club portion 54 which is shorter than club portion 38, andcontains fewer upstanding ridges 56. This embodiment is more convenientfor users who prefer a shorter baton and is more convenient for hangingon a belt, as shown in FIG. 8. According to one embodiment of theinvention, weapon 50 includes a quick release attachment element (notshown), such as a button, for rapid mounting and removal of the weaponfrom a holder.

According to one embodiment of the invention, illustrated in FIG. 9, theweapon 60 defines an internal recess 62 adapted and configured to holdan accessory 64. Preferably, weapon 60 also includes an externallyaccessible switch 66 or button for actuating an accessory in saidrecess. For example, it may be desired to insert a small canister ofmace or other gas into the handle; or for certain applications, abattery operated electric shocker may be useful, or it may be desired tohouse an internal flashlight inside the weapon. It will be appreciatedthat the presence of such a recess would permit the addition ofvirtually any desired accessory.

While the invention has been described with respect to a limited numberof embodiments, it will be appreciated that many variations,modifications and other applications of the invention may be made. Itwill further be appreciated that the invention is not limited to whathas been described hereinabove merely by way of example. Rather, theinvention is limited solely by the claims which follow.

1. A weapon comprising: a grip portion, an independent extensionextending from each end of said grip portion and configured to extendpartially around a hand of a user; at least one portion of at least oneof said extensions being shaped to create painful pressure when pressedagainst an adversary.
 2. The weapon according to claim 1, comprising atleast one portion having a rounded point shaped to create painfulpressure when pressed against an adversary.
 3. The weapon of claim 1,further comprising at least one additional extension extending from saidgrip portion substantially in an opposite direction from saidindependent extensions, said additional extension being shaped to createpainful pressure when pressed against an adversary.
 4. The weaponaccording to claim 1, further comprising an elongated club portionextending from said grip portion.
 5. The weapon of claim 4, furthercomprising at least one upstanding ridge along the length of saidelongate portion.
 6. The weapon according to claim 3, further comprisingan elongated club portion extending from said grip portion.
 7. Theweapon of claim 6, further comprising at least one upstanding ridgealong the length of said elongate portion.
 8. The weapon according toclaim 1, where said independent extensions are adapted and configured tohang the weapon on the user's hand and permit concurrent use of a user'sfingers while holding the weapon
 9. The weapon according to claim 4,where said independent extensions are adapted and configured to hang theweapon on the user's hand and permit concurrent use of a user's fingerswhile holding the weapon.
 10. The weapon according to claim 1, furthercomprising a recess in said grip for receiving an accessory.
 11. Theweapon according to claim 10, further comprising an externallyaccessible switch in the weapon for actuating an accessory in saidrecess.
 12. A method for forming a weapon, the method comprising:providing a grip portion, forming an independent extension extendingfrom each end of said grip portion and configured to extend partiallyaround a hand of a user; and shaping at least one portion of at leastone of said extensions to create painful pressure when pressed againstan adversary.
 13. The method according to claim 12, comprising providinga rounded point shaped to create painful pressure when pressed againstan adversary on at least one portion.
 14. The method of claim 12,further comprising providing at least one additional extension extendingfrom said grip portion substantially in an opposite direction from saidindependent extensions, said additional extension being shaped to createpainful pressure when pressed against an adversary.
 15. The methodaccording to claim 12, where said independent extensions are adapted andconfigured to hang the weapon on the user's hand and permit concurrentuse of a user's fingers while holding the weapon
 16. The methodaccording to claim 12, further comprising providing an elongated clubportion extending from said grip portion.
 17. The method of claim 16,further comprising providing at least one upstanding ridge along thelength of said elongate portion.
 18. The method of claim 16, furthercomprising providing a recess in said grip for receiving an accessory.19. The method of claim 18, further comprising providing an externallyaccessible switch in the weapon for actuating an accessory in saidrecess.